Eslami: Iran will not turn cameras on till accusations are withdrawn

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
4 Aug 2022 20:24

Iran is set on keeping the UN nuclear watchdog’s cameras off until all the politically-motivated allegations leveled against the Iranian Republic are withdrawn.

AEOI chief Mohammad Eslami

The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Mohammad Eslami, reaffirmed on Thursday that Iran will turn on the UN nuclear watchdog’s cameras provided that all accusations leveled against the Islamic Republic are withdrawn.

The comment was delivered in an interview for IRNA in which he was asked if Iran would turn on the cameras if an agreement is reached over the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the JCPOA.

He said the UN nuclear agency’s surveillance cameras recording data beyond the Safeguards Agreement in Iran have been shut down in mid-June 2022 as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution drafted by the US, the UK, Germany, and France, in which Iran was accused of insufficient cooperation over its nuclear program.

The revival of the JCPOA is not enough. All accusations must be withdrawn in order for the cameras to be turned back on, he stated.

Iran vehemently dismissed these accusations by stating such allegations have been ongoing for the past two decades despite the country’s show of determination in cooperating with the IAEA.

He reiterated on Wednesday that Iran’s nuclear activities remain in compliance with the Safeguards Agreement and the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran had made numerous compromises to stick to its commitments. It complied with a series of limitations to its uranium enrichment activities and allowed cameras to be set up at its nuclear sites under the JCPOA.

Where Iran has demonstrated good composure in complying with the many conditions set by the JCPOA, the west failed to stick to its side of the bargain.

Iranian top nuclear negotiator Bagheri Kani said on Wednesday that the goal of the negotiations is to determine the conditions for the US to return to the nuclear agreement.

If the US decides to not act "responsibly", as said by Kani, it is likely that the Vienna talks are expected to bring no substantial results in terms of renewing the JCPOA talks.